Mardi Gras

Posted by Brian

Posted on March 3, 2008

This Saturday, Sydney celebrated it's 30th Mardi Gras. 300,000 people lined the streets for the biggest parade I've ever seen. This was no Mullingar St. Paddy's parade that lasts for 30mins. The parade went on for about 3 hours. We spent the night drinking on the streets followed by dancing Samba (badly I'll have you know) on a street corner.

It was an eventful night but so much fun. I brought my camera out with me but didn't get to take many pictures... but Matt had his fun with it. He shouted at 2 English girls "Girls! Girls! For a magazine!" and they started posing for him. After a while one of the girls came back over with her boyfriend and he said to Matt "Oh this is her dream!" and the 2 of them started posing for pictures, him posing more than her. After another picture, she asked Matt "Where are you from?" to which he replied "Manchester.... This isn't even my camera" and he handed me back the camera. Later on in the night, Matt joined in on the parade. Dancing along with one of the marching groups. It was hilarious.

I have to point out that there is no way you could do this at home. First of all, you'd have gay bashing scumbags hanging around O"Connell bridge. All the public services, Police, Fire, etc., had their part in the parade. Could you imagine the Gardai taking part in a gay parade? You should try to for a second... its a funny thought.

There was a strange gathering of people at the parade. Some things you'd look at and laugh, some things would make you grimmace and say "No thanks" and some things, mainly girls in bunny suits, made you drop your jaw. It really was an experience although, because most people were standing on milk crates and I didn't fancy paying $10 for one, I didn't get to see a whole lot of the parade until the end. Of course there were also fireworks. I think people in Sydney will use any excuse to get out the pyro-technics! The whole thing was a huge spectical. It was just one massive street party and I have to class it as probably the best night out I've had in Sydney. The atmosphere was class.

I particular liked the Samba at the end. There was a guy with drums, a guy with a bongo, a guy with a trumpet and one with a sax. Me Joe Ian and Dec just messing around. I have to point out though, that why we all danced very badly, Joe was the worst, which is a surprise cause we are really abd and Joe is generally a decent dancer.

Rounding off a great weekend... Westmeath beat Meath. Can't ask for much better than this really!!

Ray gets on Fitzy's shoulders to have a better look.

The 3 lads at the start of the night... Ray was a bit sun burnt

Ray and Fitz get in on the action.

Ali, Matt and Jes. Ali is staying with us a couple of nights. He's a funny Scottish man

In fairness the fireworks weren't too spectacular.